• Confidential assessment
  • Reviewed by doctors
  • Same-day collection from your local pharmacy

Product features

  • Apply twice daily for noticeable results in 8-16 weeks

  • Unlike typical creams it works on hair follicles, not just surface removal

  • Treats facial hair that’s thick and coarse

What is Vaniqa?

Vaniqa 11.5% is a prescription-only cream that's a proven, and long-lasting way to remove unwanted facial hair. 

How does it work?

Vaniqa works through its active ingredient, eflornithine, which targets the base of your hair roots, known as follicles. It reduces new hair growth by acting on a specific enzyme involved in the hair growth process. 

As it’s not a hair removal (depilatory) cream, you can use Vaniqa regularly alongside any other hair removal products. 

How to use Vaniqa

You use Vaniqa cream twice daily. Once in the morning and once in the evening, as it’s important to space the applications at least 8 hours apart. 

How to apply it: 

  • Start with clean, dry skin. Gently rub in a thin layer of the cream until it's fully absorbed and try to avoid washing the treated areas for about 4 hours afterwards. 
  • If you plan to use makeup or sunscreen on the same area, wait at least 5 minutes before applying.  

Important things to remember:

  • Vaniqa is designed for facial use only, so don't use it on other parts of your body. 
  • Be careful to avoid getting the cream in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse thoroughly with water. 
  • Always wash your hands after using Vaniqa.  

Treatment results 

It may take 2-4 months before you see any difference in your facial hair growth. Instead of dissolving existing hair like other removal creams, Vaniqa targets the root of the problem by reducing new hair growth at the follicle level. So, it can naturally take a little longer to work.

If you haven't seen any improvement after 4 months of using Vaniqa, stop using the treatment and message us in your Patient Record, or speak with your doctor. 

Side effects of Vaniqa

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking Vaniqa. These can include acne, stinging of the skin, tingling, soreness, and redness. However, as side effects are uncommon and usually mild, it’s unusual for people to stop taking the treatment as a result.

For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the eflornithine (Vaniqa) patient information leaflet. If you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.

Medication

Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation

Tick

A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment

Prescription delivery

Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy

Vaniqa facial hair removal cream FAQs

  • How long does it take for Vaniqa to start working?

    It typically takes 2-4 months before you'll notice a difference in your facial hair growth. This is because Vaniqa 11.5% cream tackles the issue at the source and works on the follicles rather than just dissolving hair like other creams and products.

    This process naturally takes longer, so it's important to be patient and carry on with the treatment. If you haven’t seen any improvement after 4 months, message us in your Patient Record or speak to your GP.

  • How long should I use Vaniqa for?

    As it could be 8 weeks before you see Vaniqa working, you should carry on using the cream. If it’s not proving successful after 4 months, get in touch with us via your Patient Record or contact your doctor.

  • What happens when you stop using Vaniqa?

    You need to continue with your Vaniqa treatment for it to keep working. If you stop, the original hair growth may come back within 8 weeks (about 2 months). 

  • Who can use Vaniqa?

    You shouldn’t use Vaniqa 11.5 cream if:

    • You’re allergic to eflornithine or any of the other ingredients in Vaniqa.
    • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
    • You’re trying to become pregnant.  

  • Where can I buy Vaniqa?

    You can’t get Vaniqa cream over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription to buy it, even if you’re using an online service. 

    One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after a short online consultation where we make sure it’s right for you. 

    Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy. 

  • What should I do if I get Vaniqa side effects? 

    As with any medication, Vaniqa 11.5% cream may cause some side effects. However, they're usually mild, limited to just your skin, and pass without having to stop using the cream. 

    If you notice any side effects, you can let us know in your Patient Record or speak to your GP.

  • Vaniqa warnings

    Sometimes there are underlying conditions that cause excessive hair growth. If you notice a sudden change, you should speak to your doctor.

    It's also important to tell your clinician about any other medical conditions you may have before using Vaniqa cream, particularly if these are liver or kidney related. 

  • Vaniqa drug interactions 

    Like all medications, Vaniqa cream can react with other medicines. To ensure our clinicians can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and recreational drugs you’re taking regularly. 

  • Alternative Vaniqa facial hair reduction treatments

    There are a number of ways to manage facial hair growth. These include shaving, waxing, epilation, electrolysis, laser treatment, and bleaching. 

    If you're experiencing excess facial hair and are overweight, you may be able to reduce facial hair by losing weight. Although, this may not always help, speak to your GP if you have recently lost weight but haven’t seen change in your facial hair growth.

    For women who haven't reached menopause, certain contraceptive pills can also be effective in managing excess hair. Your GP  can advise if this might be the right option for you. 

Delivery and collection information

  • Standard delivery (Free)

    Packages will be delivered within 2-3 working days of your order being approved.

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver the next working day.

  • Next day delivery (£4.95)

    Mainland UK

    • Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive the next day (Tuesday - Saturday).
    • Orders approved up to 11am Saturday will arrive on Sunday.
    • Orders approved after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday will arrive Tuesday.

    Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other offshore UK destinations:

    • Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for offshore UK destinations

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver to you the next working day.

  • Click and Collect (Free)

    If your order is approved by 5pm Monday-Friday, you should be able to pick it up the same day from selected pharmacies - provided they have your treatment in stock.

    We suggest you ring your chosen pharmacy before you go to collect your treatment, just to make sure they have it in stock and ready.